Ranchi: Jharkhand Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Baijnath Ram on Saturday announced a decision to appoint 17,000 teachers, including 4,000 Urdu teachers.

"We will soon appoint 17,000 teachers, including 4,000 Urdu teachers. The concerned authorities have been directed to initiate the process," the minister told reporters here.

"Schools will remain opened even on holidays as education was affected due to strike of para (not regular) teachers," he said. Para teachers were on strike for 54 days and their protest over pay hike ended on Thursday.

In Jharkhand, more than 20,000 teaching posts are vacant. The appointment of 17,000 teachers is likely to improve primary and secondary education in the state. IANS